provocateurs
|pro/voc/a/teurs|
C1
🇺🇸
/prəˌvɑːkəˈtɜrz/
🇬🇧
/prəˌvɒkəˈtɜːz/
(provocateur)
troublemaker
Etymology
Etymology Information
'provocateur' originates from French, specifically the word 'provocateur', where 'provoquer' meant 'to provoke'.
Historical Evolution
'provocateur' was borrowed directly from French into English, maintaining its original form and meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'one who provokes', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
individuals who incite others to commit illegal acts or to provoke a reaction, often for political purposes.
The provocateurs were arrested for inciting violence during the protest.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/08 22:32